Old Chums

"If I die first," my old chum paused to say, "Mind! not a whimper of regret:--instead, Laugh and be glad, as I shall.--Being dead, I shall not lodge so very far away But that our mirth shall mingle.--So, the day The word comes, joy with me." "I'll try," I said, Though, even speaking, sighed and shook my head And turned, with misted eyes. His roundelay Rang gaily on the stair; and then the door Opened and--closed. . . . Yet something of the clear, Hale hope, and force of wholesome faith he had Abided with me--strengthened more and more.-- Then--then they brought his broken body here: And I laughed--whisperingly--and we were glad.